The Exercise Science program aims at developing those cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills that equip students to perform competently in the program's science based core and selected electives. The interdisciplinary academic structure of the program arises from the belief that critical thinking, effective writing, clear articulation, and strong analytical skills are crucial elements in the mastery of all subject matter. In this, and in its emphasis on developing the well-rounded person, the Exercise Science program pursues goals and objectives that are congruent with those of the College of Liberal Arts curriculum.

The Exercise Science program at Willamette University is designed to meet the needs of our student population, focusing on the development of the total person as it is expressed in the classical Greek emphasis on the interaction of mind, body, and spirit. The department achieves these ends by offering an Exercise Science major and service classes.

The major provides students with the essential knowledge and training to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities. In the past decade, the majority of graduates from the program have continued on to graduate studies in fields such as allied health and medicine, teaching, research in Exercise Science, and activity related business. Individual internship programs and field experiences are available to expand students' practical knowledge in their particular areas of interest.

The focus of the service activity offerings is the development of leisure and lifetime skills to accommodate the changing lifestyles of our society and increase the potential for personal fulfillment through physical activity.

The department is housed on the 4th floor of the Collins Science Center. Departmental teaching and research facilities include two wired classrooms in Sparks Center, a separate Integrated Exercise Science laboratory in Gatke Hall and a cadaver laboratory in Collins Science Center.

Course Listings

Historical, scientific, psychological and sociological studies related to Exercise Science. Basic development of various philosophies related to ethics and moral values in Exercise Science and sport will be discussed.

Offering: Every semester

Instructor: Harmer

EXSCI 221 Epidemiology (.5)

The study of the causes and distribution of disease and injury. It focuses empirically on the identification and control of threats to health and well-being. The class covers historical cases, epidemiological techniques, and current applications.

Offering: Spring, even years

Instructor: Harmer

EXSCI 241 Methods of Teaching Activities and Sports (1)

The study of effective teaching and coaching in physical education and sports with an emphasis on analysis of teaching; methodology; maximizing the learning environment; classroom management; and lesson, unit and program planning and implementation. Not open to freshmen.

Offering: Spring, Odd Years

Instructor: Williams

EXSCI 248 Exercise Science for Special Populations (.5)

The analysis of functional and organic abnormalities, assessment methodology and federal regulations that apply to the exceptional individual and the role of physical activity.

Offering: Fall, even years

Instructor: Harmer

EXSCI 251 Sport Leadership and Management (.5)

The class explores the nature of administration and management in fitness, sport, allied health and physical education settings at school and community level. Leadership styles, public relations skills, organizational and administrative skills along with topics of conflict resolution, legal aspects of negligence and liability, fiscal management/budgeting practices, and risk management are developed.

Offering: Spring, Even Years

Instructor: Williams

EXSCI 330 The Science of Nutrition (1)

This course will provide students with the necessary scientific principles that dictate current nutritional guidelines. The following topics will be discussed: Classification of nutrients, metabolism and energy balance, dietary supplements, diet planning, the role of nutrition in health. Students will analyze their own eating habits and design diet programs with the use of comprehensive nutrition software. Closed to freshmen.

Prerequisite: One chemistry or biology class

Offering: Spring

Instructor: Stavrianeas

EXSCI 340 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries (1)

Introduction to the field of sports medicine and concepts of athletic training as related to sports trauma. This course will present the following: prevention, psychological factors, recognition procedures, predisposition, initial and progressive management, and principles of rehabilitation pertaining to specific injuries. The course includes laboratory for skill acquisition of adhesive tape application, emergency management procedures, and injury evaluation procedures.

EXSCI 356W Research Design in Exercise Science (1)

Introduction to concepts and principles for conducting research and for evaluating the research literature in Exercise Science. Topics include the nature and purpose of research, the research process and the types of research used in Exercise Science. The relationship between design and statistical analyses will also be discussed.

EXSCI 357 Motor Learning and Control (.5)

Study of the neural, physical and behavioral aspects of human movement, and the processes involved in acquiring and refining motor skills. The class will examine research that explains why certain behaviors manifest themselves, and provides the basis for assessing performance and designing optimal practice, rehabilitation and training experiences. Not open to freshmen.

Offering: Spring

Instructor: Row

EXSCI 358 Special Topics in Exercise Science (.5)

An opportunity for semester-long study of specific advanced topics within the field of Exercise Science. Topics and themes will vary by instructor. This class may be repeated for credit with different topics.

Prerequisite: Depending on topics offered or consent of instructor.

Offering: Annually

Instructor: Staff

EXSCI 360 Physiology of Exercise (1)

This class examines the physiological systems of the human body as they are affected by different mode, intensity, and duration of exercise. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship between the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and digestive systems. The required laboratory will focus on measuring and analyzing various anthropometric, physiological and metabolic functions and performance parameters, using the data to predict and describe work capacity and training protocols.

EXSCI 394 Junior Internship (.5-1.0)

EXSCI 445 Advanced Injury Management (.5)

Advanced topics in injury recognition and management based upon stress-strain of tissue, structural-functional aspects, and pathomechanics. The phases of healing and rehabilitation are investigated and appropriate protocols of management and reconditioning are integrated during each phase. Includes concepts of pain, pharmacology, therapeutic principles, physical modalities, advanced skill acquisition in evaluation and reconditioning, and anatomical dissection.

EXSCI 496 Senior Seminar in Exercise Science (1)

A seminar course and capstone experience required of all Exercise Science majors. Students may meet this requirement by completing one of the following three options: a) an original research study, b) a literature review, or c) an internship with an associated service project. Topics are selected in consultation with Exercise Science faculty. Regardless of the option chosen, students must present their work orally in an open meeting format and provide a final paper detailing the work to the department.

EXSA 030X-100X Activity Classes (.25 credit each)

These classes are listed by title in the class schedule. Many are offered each semester and will on occasion have multiple sections or a suffix of I or II (novice or a more advanced level -- respectively). Activity classes are coed unless otherwise specified. Course offerings include: step aerobics, basketball, crew, fencing, golf, karate/self-defense, Tai Chi, tennis, scuba, skiing, swim fitness, swimming, volleyball, weight training, conditioning, and yoga. No more than 2 credits (8 courses) from a combination of activity (EXSA) or Varsity Sports (EXSV) courses can count toward graduation. A student may pre-register for a maximum of one EXSA course per semester. If the student has taken less than an average of one EXSA/EXSV course for their previous Willamette semesters, a maximum of one additional EXSA course may be added on the first day of classes on a space available basis.

Offering: Every semester

Instructor: Staff

EXSP 233 Personal Fitness (.5)

A course designed to teach the role personal fitness plays in a productive lifestyle. Includes lectures (one per week) on the values and components of fitness, human physiology as it relates to exercise, fitness programs, weight control, nutrition, coronary risk awareness and other topics associated with exercise and health. This course does not count toward the Exercise Science major.

Offering: Fall

Instructor: Williams

EXSV 001X-029X Varsity Sports (.25 credit each)

Credit can be earned by students participating in the following varsity sports: baseball (m), basketball (m/w), crew (m/w), cross country (m/w), football (m), golf (m/w), soccer (m/w), softball (w), swimming (m/w), tennis (m/w), track and field (m/w), and volleyball (w). No more than 2 credits (8 courses) from a combination of activity (EXSA) or Varsity Sports (EXSV) courses can count toward graduation. Credit will be awarded for varsity sports participation at the end of the season, if the student has not exceeded an average of one EXSA/EXSV course per semester at Willamette.